Product Information Stone Tile

Granite: One of the hardest and
densest of all natural stone. Next to the diamond, it
is the hardest of the natural stones.

Resists staining and scratching better than any
other natural stone.

Beautiful in foyers, bathrooms, libraries or
kitchens or as an accent with other natural
stones.

Made up of mainly quartz, feldspar and
mica.

Mother nature produces a variety of rich colors
each with their own distinctive
characteristics.

Marble: Marble is crystallized
limestone that comes in many different color
variations and usually displays a veining pattern
that adds to its uniqueness. These veins are
typically different in color from the overall color
of the stone.

A timeless addition to any home, bearing the
signs and marks of history from thousands of
years.

More porous and softer than granite, making it
more susceptible to staining and scratching.
Therefore, marble is more suitable for bathroom
countertops/walls, shower stalls, tub surrounds or
fireplace surrounds.

Marble is not recommended for use in kitchens.
Marble is very sensitive to acidic chemicals such as
citric acids from lemons or limes. These acids can
etch or dull a marble surface creating permanent
damage.

Limestone: This stone has a more
subtle look and is often offered in a “honed” or
matte finish. This stone will require preventative
maintenance over time, as it is a softer stone and
very porous.

Created by the accumulation of organic materials
such as shells and coral.

Colors tend to be softer and more neutral ranging
from cream, beige, brown, pale rust and soft
blue.

Clean and simple in appearance.

May not be suitable for all areas in the home
because it will stain easily.

Travertine: Unique looking due to
the “fill process”. In its original form, Travertine
has thousands of holes running through it. These
holes are filled and then the stone is polished. The
stone polishes to a high sheen and the fill areas
remain dull creating a beautiful floor. Like
Limestone, this stone will require preventative
maintenance over time, due to its porosity.

From the limestone family-so it shares some
similar characteristics such as being soft and
porous.

Comprised of layers of mineral composites that
cool and crystallize into travertine.

Slate: This rustic, yet elegant
stone, has become increasing popular over the years.
The beautiful color variations turn any countertop or
surround into a work of art. Slate can be used for
interiors as well as exteriors making it the perfect
product to bring the outdoors in!

All slate has a natural clefting along the
surface which gives this stone its unique textural
look of layers.

The most dramatic of color variations. Rich reds,
oranges and golds to black, brown and rust to mauve,
lavender, green, blue, silver and grey. Colors range
from warm and earthy to cool and sophisticated

Extremely durable and stain resistant. Although
slate does not require sealing, the grout surrounding
it does. Ask your design consultant about a product
that will enhance the slate and seal the grout at the
same time.

Tumbled Stone: is marble, travertine
and limestone that are tumbled and distressed to
evoke a timeworn look of stone from centuries
past.

An old world look.

Suitable for both the casual and formal
environment.

The perfect accent to polished granite, marble or
limestone.

Stunning on countertops, surrounds or as
backsplash treatments.

Available in many sizes and are often used in
borders or decorative strips. Accent strips, mosaics,
chair rails, listellos and smaller sizes such
as 1x1, 4x4, 6x6.

Natural Characteristics

It’s important to remember that natural stone is a
product of Mother Nature. No two pieces of natural
stone tile will look the same. Veining and
crystallization are natural characteristics of the
stone, not imperfections.

Different stones are have different levels of
hardness and porosity and are best for different
uses. Be sure to ask your design consultant about
which stone is right for the different areas in your
home depending on whether it is a wet area, like a
bath or a high traffic area such as a kitchen.

Tile Sizes

12”x12” is the size typically installed on
countertops.

Tumbled Stone is also available in smaller sizes such as
4”x4”and 8”x8” and even smaller in many of the intricate
decorative borders.

Tile Edges
There are two types of edges for natural stone
tile.

A polished bull nose edge that has a rounded or
curved appearance. A polished straight 90 degree
edge.

Natural stone tile is less expensive than natural
stone slab and still evokes an elegant look.

Selecting Grout for Natural Stone Tile

Natural Stone grout lines are typically done with
unsanded grout and are usually much thinner than
ceramic tile installations.

Design Options-grout can match, contrast or coordinate
with your stone tile. Remember, grout will outline each
tile creating a visual picture frame. If you want to
highlight the beauty of your stone and make the grout
less noticeable, select a grout that is close in color to
the stone. A contrasting grout color, either darker or
lighter, will enhance the appearance of the grout lines
creating a checkerboard effect.

Grout darkens as it ages, so sealing is recommended.
Remember that grout colors can change slightly from the
sample in the design center to the grout installed in
your home based on the temperature and humidity when the
tile is installed.

What About Sealing?

It is highly recommended that you seal your stone tile
or slab after it is installed to provide additional
stain resistance and to protect the stone’s original
beauty. There are different types of sealers depending
on the type of stone. Scratches, stains, etching and
dulling of the surface are all permanent damage and
forever alter the appearance of your stone. Ask your
design consultant for information about sealing.

The Value of Upgrading
You will have a wider selection of types, sizes and
colors.
You will have access to more durable types of stones.
Decorative options such as accent strips, mosaics,
patterns, etc.
A timeless finish that brings value to any home.

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